UNITY SOUGHT IN IRELAND

Southland Times, Issue 23408, 15 January 1938, Page 5

UNITY SOUGHT IN IRELAND

PARTITION TO BE DISCUSSED ULSTER STANDS FIRM ON EMPIRE ISSUE (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright) (Received January 14, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 14. The report that the Anglo-Irish talks in which Mr Eamonn de Valera and Mr Malcolm MacDonald, Dominions Secretary, will take part, will embrace partition has not surprised the Ulster unionists who are glad that Viscount Craigavon has been given an opportunity for an early expression of his views. The feeling in Belfast is that Mr de Valera has played into Viscount Craigavon’s hands. There has lately been a coolness towards Viscount Craigavon s 17 years old administration on account of certain domestic legislation ana the feeling that younger men should be given a chance. This culminated m the formation of two new parties—lndependent Unionists and Progressive Unionists. , The opinion is now expressed that the Unionist Government will increase its majority, the feeling in Ulster being as strong as ever against, anything likely to jeopardize her position as part ana parcel of the United Kingdom. Dublin’s view tonight is that Viscount Craigavon has cleverly seized the opportunity to rally his supporters 'and defeat the Independent Unionists. It is admitted that a big revival of enthusiasm is certain in the meantime. There was activity in the Eire Government departments before the departure of the Ministers to London. Documents were collected and the Secretariat chosen.’ The Dail has adjourned until February 2. Nationalist members of the Ulster Parliament have issued a statement assuring Mr de Valera that the Northern Nationalists are anxious to co-operate with their Unionist fellow countrymen once the unity of the country is established. The Irish Press, referring to the talks between representatives of the Irish Free State and the Imperial Government, warns against over-optimism. It says: “Our representatives can be trusted to display a spirit of conciliation and goodwill, while standing fast on the vital questions of principle. We. have no reason to assume that the British representatives will not participate in the conference in the same spirit.” Mr de Valera, interviewed, declared that partition would definitely be included in the discussions. He revealed that the initiative for the meeting came from him, following informal conversations with the Secretary of State for the Dominions, Mr Malcolm MacDonald. PARTITION THE MAIN ISSUE The Times Dublin correspondent says that it may be taken as certain that Mr de Valera will make the abolition of the partition of Ireland a main issue. According to the Dublin correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, if a compromise can be reached on partition Mr de Valera is prepared to consider the problem of coastal defences as a joint undertaking. Viscount Craigavon, first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, who has held office for 16 years, has obtained a dissolution of Parliament to enable the electors to pronounce their opinion on February 19 on the partition issue. He personally has no doubt regarding the result.

Lord Craigavon added: “I feel it necessary to put the position of Ulster beyond doubt. Ever since assuming office I have emphasized in all quarters the loyal solidarity of the Ulster people on this matter of such vital importance. The opportunity now presents itself under our system representative of Government to allow the people to pronounce upon the issues for themselves and I have no doubt as to the answer they will give.” An all-Ireland Parliament in Dublin in which Northern Ireland would have representation in addition to its own Parliament, is one of the proposals Mr de Valera is likely to submit to Monday’s London meeting, says the Dublin correspondent of The Daily Mail. It is believed that Mr de Valera will suggest that this system should operate for 10 or 15 years after which a plebiscite should be held to decide whether the six northern counties should be completely cut off from the others as at present. The Dublin correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says Mr de Valera may also cause a surprise by offering to transfer the disputed land annuities—money amounting to £4,000,000 yearly, into the defence contribution.